Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Progression of a Convert


Some of you may remember that old poster from the 1970's of some guy on a drug trip (no, this was NOT in my room - it was in a friend's room), where it showed his progression from "normal" to "wasted". For some reason that popped in my head the other day.

Since my return to the Faith in 1998, I've gone through all of the stages shown here, and would guess many others have also. Things are better than they were 12 years ago, to be sure, but sometimes panel # 6 still applies.

20 comments:

N. Trandem said...

I hope this doesn't come across as mean, but since Summorum Pontificum, the "disengaged" don't have a lot of excuses left to remain disengaged. All you need is two or three other disengaged people at your Parish to get together and request the Extraordinary Form. According to Rome, your Pastor MUST accommodate the request. If the EF doesn't re-engage you, nothing will!

Paul Nichols said...

I agree with you. I go elsewhere for the EF.

It would be interesting to see where a request for it at my own parish would go. I wonder if we could get enough to request it, primarily because our parish "ain't so bad" in comparison to others, if you know what I mean.

N. Trandem said...

For what it's worth, I've seen at least one prominent canon lawyer assert that a group of as few as 3 people would "qualify".

I moved my family cross-country to get to an EF (F.S.S.P.) parish. I know that's not feasible for everyone, but I can't begin to describe how wonderful it has been for us.

Anonymous said...

You need a new, larger pannel
"Delight in the depth"

May the Holy Spirit fill you anew

Anonymous said...

This is a little off topic, but what I find a bit sad (and frustrating, too) is that there are a lot of devoted Catholics,who are true Christians in every sense of the word, who won't even give the 1962 Mass a chance. I don't understand that at all. Any possible explanations? FWIW, my family and I attend both the Tridentine and Novus Ordo.

Thanks,
Stephanie

Paul Nichols said...

Stephanie,

For many around my age (46), the Latin Mass is SO foreign that they don't even conceive of what it is or might be. I've spoken to more than a few who just shrug and say "It's all I know: (speaking of the Novus Ordo).

You can thank the "spirit of Vatican II" for that situation. And, for that matter, everything else that's wrong in the Church today.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Paul. I know I was turned off to the Tridentine Mass at first because I didn't understand what was going on. Now that I have been many times, I really feel it is a much more beautiful Mass. The prayers are like poetry.

Anonymous said...

Oops! I left the above comment and forgot to sign my name.

Stephanie

Nick said...

Ouch, Paul! Ouch! That cartoon was a real stinger! It's so true it hurts! I try to take extra care to softly explain to converts that it isn't a bed of roses, but it's the True Church.

Deacon Pat said...

I am amazed more often than not by converts... rather than by cradle-Catholics. They made a decision as an adult to turn away from the world..toward Christ. Yes we are in the midst of a culture of death, and if we are truly living a life of Christ, it does include the cross, but we also posses the truth, possess the peace of knowing that we belong to God and we are awaiting an eternal life in Heaven! I KNOW I AM PREACHING TO THE CHOIR! Thank you for your music!

Paul Nichols said...

The fact that it isn't a bed of roses is a truth that tests our committment. We've all heard people use the excuse of the "failings" of people in the church to justify them "dropping out" of the Faith.

There isn't much of a "Faith" to begin with, if the failings of Church members (or leaders) makes you throw in the towel.

God never promised us an easy life.

Anonymous said...

I myself have been in the need for earplugs. And the constant seeing the heresy and the lack of the preaching of the Gospel coupled with knowledge of priests' personal life brought be to the edge.

I also took the big step of moving away from my home parish and town. This was a great price for a number of reasons but I can worship in peace now. Other things have not fallen into place.But here in a more faithful archdiocese and parish, I can again serve and put my many years of study to use in passing along the faith by teaching. In my former heterodox 'peace and justice' parish, that was no longer possible. Mass was an exercise in endurance even though I knew its unfathomable worth inspite of the abuses.

Paul Nichols said...

Mass was an exercise in endurance even though I knew its unfathomable worth inspite of the abuses.
======================
Yes, despite the shortcomings of particulars masses (in presentation, I mean), at least in most cases you're still getting the Body, Blood, Soul, & Divinity of Christ.

I feel bad for those places where even that is questionable.

Sanctus Belle said...

I remember my honeymoon phase - I actually remember singing the crappy sappy songs and thinking I was already in Heaven. I had no idea of the shock and subsequent dismay that came after....but I wouldn't go back for anything. Great cartoon Paul.

BTW we put in a formal in writing request with over 30 signature for the EF a year ago and are still waiting.

N. Trandem said...

Sanctus Belle: Did you send the petition to your Bishop as well as the Pastor? If so, have you contacted the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei? If not, I may be able get you in touch with someone who could deliver it to the Commission in person. Let me know (an email link is on my blogger profile page).

Paul Nichols said...

BTW we put in a formal in writing request with over 30 signature for the EF a year ago and are still waiting.
---------------
Not surprising. We had Bishop Rhoades, who has now moved to South Bend, and he was the one who restored the weekly TLM here in the Harrisburg Diocese. At the parish level, I wonder...

De Liliis said...

Yup, been there done that.

Karen said...

I'm an adult convert since 1993 and my husband is a cradle Catholic. We too up and moved our family of 15 (now 16 :) half way across the country (Maine: barely-there Indult to Kansas: FSSP) so we could have live a Catholic life. :) We haven't quite been here a year. We barely scratched a profit from the sale of our house and have to rent which is not our preference, and my husband makes almost $10 less per hour in the same exact field he worked in in Maine, but we are sucking it up for the spiritual benefits we have here.

Paul Nichols said...

Wow, Karen, that's dedication. May God reward your dedication.

Unknown said...

Ur Site Is Good This is my site
Vist Plz

www.Dbgtepisode.blogspot.com